Right now I’m on a plane.  I’m a long way up over the Atlantic Ocean and I’m feeling a little conflicted: I love traveling but I’m not a fan of sitting still.

I’ve been doing a lot of flying recently and, although I’ve been to some great places and met wonderful people, it still means I’ve been sitting down for long periods of time. That’s just not something my body is used to doing.  In fact, I’m such a believer in keeping my body moving that I find it hard to sit still at home too.

How often have you seen a kid sitting still for a long time?

My constant need for movement makes me laugh as I remind myself that I am constantly telling my kids to stop fidgeting and sit still. I’m typing this while confined to a chair and I’ve been hit by a revelation – kids have got the right idea.  With all the known facts about how movement can improve your mood, it makes sense that kids are almost always happy. And it makes me wonder: should we ever be sat in one position for hours at a time? 

It’s my opinion that the human body is designed for movement.  Sitting still for prolonged periods of time isn’t a great idea especially as it can impact your circulation while also making you feel stiff and cranky.   Many airlines provide an exercise sheet to encourage you to stretch and wiggle your feet to keep your circulation moving efficiently and I encourage you to follow their instructions.  Don’t feel that completing the exercise card routine once is enough – you need to listen to your body.  If you’re on a long flight then revisit the exercise card routine every couple of hours and I suggest also adding your own moves to make sure stiffness doesn’t get a chance to build up anywhere.  For instance, if you spend a lot of time reading or staring at a screen then loosen up your neck muscles periodically.  And, if you fall asleep at an odd angle, then take the time to work out all the kinks systematically when you wake up.

Channel your inner child: keep on moving

Wondering about all this made me decide to do want my body wanted: move around.  I just stepped into the aisle and stretched.  And you know what?  It felt wonderful.  My low-key aisle aerobics were certainly worth the looks and smiles I received from fellow passengers.

I made sure not to get in anyone’s way and made the most of the small amount of space available.  I’m not tall, so reaching for the ceiling felt great and releasing the tension that had built up in my neck and shoulders was a relief. I’d say a few people were intrigued by my actions and unfortunately everyone was too shy to join me.  We are taught from a young age to sit still and not cause a fuss but one curious passenger on my right asked a few fitness questions and I was happy to explain. I’m on a mission to inspire people to take ownership of their bodies.  And if that means I also need to help people free themselves from social awkwardness then so be it.  Let’s all rid ourselves of the social awkwardness that comes hand in hand with going outside of what is considered normal.

Since returning to my seat, I’ve been daydreaming of how fun it would be if air stewards interrupted the quiet sedentary slumber with some upbeat music combined with a few chair exercises to revitalize and energize passengers. It could even be done using the TV system or they could do it over the intercom. I’m convinced it would spark conversations among chair partners about their views on movement or lack of it.  I’m sure you have a few thoughts on whether this is a good or bad idea but, whatever you think, you know it will make for a more ‘interesting’ flight. 

Follow these tips and you’ll feel great when you land

Travel tip – Hydrate yourself often

Drink enough to stay hydrated inside and out.  You may find that your skin looks better for it even after the harsh air conditioning onboard. You’re also more likely to avoid a dehydration headache if you drink frequently enough to avoid ever feeling really thirsty. Drinking often will also mean that you have no choice but to move because you’ll be going to the bathroom!

Travel tip - Sit comfortably

Sitting with your back fully supported in the chair and being mindful of your posture combined with occasional lower leg, neck and shoulder stretches will ensure you get off your flight feeling refreshed and ready for action.

Travel tip - Move your body

At regular intervals throughout the flight, make sure you move.  Make time to follow the exercise card if it’s provided, and embrace your inner child by fidgeting to your heart’s content.

***

When I get off a plane, I have to hit the road full steam ahead whether I’m headed to a fitness class or home to my excited (and fidgeting) children.  It’s important that my body is feeling great and I’m ready to tackle my next challenge head on.  So, next time you fly, shake your shyness and move around a little! You may be surprised by how liberated you feel.

Written by Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA. Samantha is Director of Fitness Education at Herbalife.

5 Responses to “How to make air travel more interesting & land feeling great”

1. Odette says:

   October 22, 2012 at 12:09 am

   I found that Niteworks during the flight was excellent and after the trip taking herbal complex to help with water retention!!
2. Mag Rittinghaus says:

   October 16, 2012 at 6:30 pm

   Hi there,
   As frequent long distance flyers we avoid any meal given by the carrier and mix our HERBALIFE shakes instead; powder is allowed to carry, a plastik shaker and cold water available everywehre, we don’t know any kind of jetlag.
   As a funny side “effect’ some flight attendants became longtime discount customers
3. Kay Wilson says:

   October 16, 2012 at 9:37 am

   Hey Samantha, Air is super dry on plane so next time, try the HLF Radiant C, Face Quencher spray comes in a tiny bottle to tuck in your purse, feels great and your face will thank you!
4. Jelena says:

   October 16, 2012 at 9:27 am

   Excellent post Samantha..I totally agree and what a great reminder for those of us who travel often. I say let’s all fidget away. Thanks for the input ;)
5. Arlene says:

   October 16, 2012 at 8:59 am

   Sooooooo Timely … packing for a 5 1/2 hour trip to Lond Beach … I will take this seriously and exercise during flight!